Trafalgar Tours connects you to the real Spain in a way like no other. A country of ripe vineyards, endless coastlines, rugged mountain ranges and historic villages, we will venture into the spirit of Spain uncovering the heritage of its luscious surroundings. Experience it all on the Best of Spain tour.
Dream holidays without the stress of the 'what ifs.'Trafalgar tours are designed so you can experience the world differently. You'll get the personal service, attention to detail and ease you're looking for, while enjoying the unmissable experiences you've always dreamed of. Trafalgar has been trusted by 5 million guests and are proud to deliver the very best tours that guests will cherish for years to come.
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Special Offers and Member Benefits:
What You May Experience:
Don’t miss a thing as you explore the Best of Spain, featuring all the travel highlights and some surprises, from olive oil tasting on an Andalusian estate and learning all about Toledo’s three religions, to the treasured cities of Madrid, Seville and Barcelona.
Sightseeing Highlights:
Unique Experiences:
Connect With Locals
Stay With Stories
Dive Into Culture
Inclusions:
The Trafalgar Difference:
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Here is a look at the details of this trip:
At A Glance: Best of Spain Itinerary~ 15 days ~ Madrid, Spain Roundtrip ~ 21 meals ~ from $3,750
Day 1: Hola Madrid
Welcome to the fiery Spanish capital that is Madrid. Delve deep into the soul of a city that marches to the tune of the tapas, before meeting up with your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a memorable Welcome Reception and orientation drive to see some of the city's most iconic sights.
Day 2: Journey to Burgos and on to Santander
Journey over the pine-clad Guadarrama Mountains to Burgos, the historic capital of Castile, where we will visit the tomb of El Cid, a national hero and the protagonist of the most significant medieval Spanish epic poem – El Cantar de Mio Cid. We cross the Ebro River and the Cantabrian Cordillera Mountains, travelling to the coast and the sophisticated capital of the Cantabrian region, Santander.
Day 3: Onwards to Culinary San Sebastián and Pamplona
Depart Santander and travel to Bilbao to view the striking Guggenheim Museum, built from titanium, glass and limestone and designed by renowned Canadian-American architect, Frank Gehry. Continuing to San Sebastián, the gourmet capital of Spain, we see the beautiful Bahia de La Concha beach during our orientation drive. Our overnight stay is in the vibrant city of Pamplona, famous for its Running of the Bulls fiesta. Follow in the footsteps of Hemingway and enjoy a drink at Café Iruña, ramble along the brilliantly lit city ramparts or delight in the local pintxos before enjoying dinner at your hotel this evening.
Day 4: Continue to Gaudi’s Barcelona
Your journey continues through the Ebro Valley to Zaragoza where we’ll view the Basilica of El Pilar and Cathedral of La Seo. Arrive in Barcelona, soak up the charm of a city that professes two great loves – Gaudí and football. Enjoy panoramic views of a city, which dates back to Roman times, from atop Montjuïc, then spend the rest of the day at leisure. Amble through the Gothic Quarter's labyrinthine lanes, indulge in the aromas and flavours of La Boqueria and discover the best crema Catalana in town.
Optional Experience - Gothic Quarter and Dinner
Work up an appetite with a walking tour of the old Gothic Quarter, where Barcelona was born. Meander through the beautiful medieval streets and century-old architecture with your Local Specialist. Then we’ll take you to the marina of Port Olympic, where you'll enjoy Mediterranean food in one of our favourite local eateries.
Day 5: Discover Barcelona
The whimsical fantasy world of Gaudí is on display this morning as we embark on a sightseeing tour to see the inspiring, but as yet unfinished, La Sagrada Família in the company of a Local Specialist. We'll see Las Ramblas and Plaça de Catalunya, which lies at the heart of Barcelona, before paying tribute to Christopher Columbus at the monument that bears his name. Consider joining an Optional Experience to the mountain-top monastery of Montserrat to see the shrine of the Black Madonna, the patron saint of Catalonia.
Optional Experience - Mystical Montserrat
Today, with a Local Specialist, we'll take a drive to the enchanting and mystical mountain of Montserrat, with its breathtaking views and spectacular scenery. While there, we'll visit the Benedictine monastery to view the famed Black Madonna.
Day 6: Off to Coastal Peñíscola and Valencia
The sweet scent of oranges accompanies us on our journey along the Costa Dorada south to fortified Peñíscola, where we'll see the ancient castle used in the film 'El Cid'. Continuing through fertile huertas, we arrive in sunny Valencia where we will stay the night. Our orientation of this cultural city includes views of the modernist style Mercado de Colon, the bullring, the Towers of Serrano and Quart, and the Art Nouveau Estación del Norte. Witness the modern verve of Valencia and view the City of Arts and Sciences, a large-scale urban recreation centre for culture and science, designed by Santiago Calatrava, before spending the rest of the evening at leisure.
Optional Experience - Valencia Dinner and Discovery
We'll delve into the country's third-largest city to enjoy its Mediterranean verve. Vibrant and modern, Valencia still retains much of its past, going back to its Roman foundation 2,000 years ago. The iconic dish "Paella" originated here and tonight we'll learn about its traditions and enjoy this singular Spanish fare during a typical meal in one of the city’s most popular restaurants.
Day 7: Venture to Granada
Journey via the dramatic Mora Pass to the city of Granada where we meet our Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of the spectacular UNESCO-listed Alhambra. Its golden façades and extraordinary Moorish architecture reflect centuries of multi-cultural history, which you will have a rare opportunity to explore as you wander through its palaces and exotic water gardens. Check in to your hotel later, where we will dine tonight.
Day 8: On the Road to Sunny Costa del Sol
Set your watch to Spanish time and enjoy a leisurely morning on your terms, or consider taking an Optional Experience to explore the medieval Moorish Quarter of Granada - Albaicín - with its narrow winding lanes, churches, minarets and palaces. We leave Granada behind for the sun-kissed shores of the Costa del Sol, where we'll spend the next two nights. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy. Stroll along the beachside promenade, relax at one of the nearby beach cafes or visit the picture-perfect whitewashed Andalusian village of Mijas - the choice is yours.
Optional Experience - Mijas Andalusian Hilltown & Mediterranean Dinner
Visit this charming hilltop village, perched up high with splendid views of the coastline. With our Local Specialist, we'll experience its narrow streets with white-washed houses, see the oval bullring, or hunt for hidden gems in the shops. Your evening will finish with a Mediterranean dinner at a coastal restaurant.
Optional Experience - Albaicín And The Royal Chapel
With our Local Specialist, we'll enjoy a leisurely walking tour through the Albaicín UNESCO World Heritage Site – a maze of narrow streets and Moorish splendour. You'll get to explore the Catholic Monarchs' tombs and some of their treasures at the Royal Chapel, and wander through the picturesque Alcaicería quarter.
Day 9: Costa del Sol Your Way
Another day in paradise for you to kick back, worship the Spanish sunshine and taste la buena vida. Enjoy fresh seafood in Torremolinos, relax on the bleached beaches and soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere or consider an Optional Experience to the effervescent Andalusian capital of Málaga to explore centuries of history.
Optional Experience - Experience Málaga, the Capital of the Costa Del Sol
We'll spend the morning with our Local Specialist in this charming, elegant Mediterranean capital, the birth-place of Pablo Picasso. We'll experience panoramic views from the Moorish Gibralfaro fortress, including the magnificent harbour and the Alcazaba ramparts. Then, in the heart of downtown Málaga, we'll see the ancient Roman theater and sample an aperitif in one of the city’s most-famous taverns.
Day 10: Explore Gibraltar and on to Seville
A scenic drive takes you past the millionaires' resort of Marbella and on to La Linea. Cross to the Rock of Gibraltar, for free time to explore or consider joining an Optional Experience to St. Michael's Cave to see the Barbary Macaques (Rock Apes). This afternoon, continue through the Andalusian countryside past Jerez - famous for its sherry production - to Seville. This evening, we Connect With Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience with the Morillo family at their olive oil estate. We will overnight in the heart of the Jewish Quarter at one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories, Las Casas de la Juderia, a collection of 15th-century Andalusian townhouses connected by hidden passages.
Optional Experience - A Guided Tour Of The Rock Of Gibraltar
Experience a tour of the Rock of Gibraltar, one of the pillars of Hercules, by private mini bus. You’ll enjoy magnificent views of the meeting of the Atlantic and Mediterranean and the Spanish Sierra, visit St. Michael`s cave and see the famous Barbary apes.
Day 11: See the Sights of Seville
Join your Local Specialist this morning for a tour of Seville's leafy avenues. See the iconic Giralda Bell Tower and visit the Seville Cathedral, the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. Stroll through Maria Luisa Park, with its tiled fountains, pavilions, palms and orange trees, and walk through the imposing Plaza de España. Explore the Jewish history of Spain in Seville's former Jewish Quarter, where a wall separated the Jewish community from the rest of the city during medieval times. Tonight, consider soaking up the fiery flamenco atmosphere in the city that made this passionate dance famous.
Day 12: Journey to Córdoba
You'll journey to Córdoba to meet a Local Specialist for a visit to the astounding Mosque of the Caliphs, a jewel of Hispano-Islamic art featuring striking arches and Byzantine mosaics. Then visit the remains of the 14th-century Mudéjar-style synagogue in the old Jewish neighbourhood, before spending the rest of the day at leisure admiring the city's extraordinary Moorish architecture and heritage. This evening we dine at our hotel.
Day 13: Admire Ancient Toledo then on to Madrid
We leave Andalucía and cross Don Quijote's La Mancha region, famous for its windmills, wines and cheese. Your Local Specialist takes you on a walking tour of Toledo where you’ll Dive Into Culture as you explore this ancient hilltop city. Visit the Church of Santo Tomé, home to El Greco's masterpiece – 'The Burial of the Count of Orgaz', and the synagogue, the oldest one still standing in Europe. This evening we arrive in feisty Madrid, where we'll spend the next two nights.
Optional Experience - Dinner and Discovery in Downtown Madrid
Join us this evening as we scratch beneath the surface of some lesser-known aspects of Madrid's city centre. Then, we'll settle in for dinner, along with musical entertainment and finish up with a spin around some of the wonderful squares and fountains of magical Madrid.
Day 14: Discover Stylish Madrid
The grand plazas of Madrid take centre stage today as we join our Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of Spain's capital city. See Gran Vía and the Cibeles Fountain before we Dive Into Culture and visit the world-famous Prado Museum, featuring one of the world's finest collections of European art, including masterpieces by Velazquez. Spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the city. Visit the Royal Palace with its spectacular Goya artworks, relax in the leafy Buen Retiro Park or enjoy the flavours and aromas of jamon in the Market of San Miguel. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for an unforgettable Farewell Dinner to celebrate an epic adventure through Spain.
Optional Experience - Segovia World Heritage Site - Its Ancient Aqueduct & Fairy-tale Castle
Enjoy a visit to Segovia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which sits on a rocky outcrop between two rivers. With your Local Specialist, you’ll visit the 13th-century castle, reputed to have inspired Walt Disney, as well as seeing the best-preserved Roman aqueduct which has remained intact for 2,000 years.
Day 14: Farewell Madrid
Our journey together has come to an end. For now it's a fond adiós to Spain and newfound friends.
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